James: no formal conversations with Northwestern

Keith Pompey

Inquirer Staff Writer

Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Brian James said he has not had any formal talks with Northwestern University to become an assistant coach with the men’s basketball team. Chris Collins, son of Sixers coach Doug Collins, was recently named the head coach there.

“I have not talked to anyone about a position,” James, reached this morning by phone, said. “I have talked to Chris since he got the job and I’m very happy for him. We talked about his future. As far as I am concerned, I’m here waiting to see what happens.”

James was Chris Collins high school coach before Chris Collins went to Duke as a player and eventually an assistant coach.

James has been an assistant to Doug Collins during stints in Detroit and Washington. Doug Collins has one year left on his contract with the Sixers. Earlier this week, The Inquirer reported that Sixers management is unwilling to extend Collins’ deal past next season. Collins is owed $4.5 million next season.

“Obviously I have a very strong relationship with the Collins family; that’s something that goes without saying, so of course Chris and I have talked. But I have had no formal conversations with Northwestern.”